Bishop Lavis went into hysteria last night when local girl Paxton Fielies walked away with the top spot in Idols SA.
The Bishop Lavis sportsground was packed with around 3 000 supporters, known as the Paxnation, anticipating the big announcement just before 7pm.
Paxton's aunt, Bronwyn Ockhuis, couldn’t hold back her tears when she thanked everyone for their support.
“We are so happy for Paxton and appreciate all the support shown to her. We’re amazed by the turnout and thank everyone, especially the Bishop Lavis Action Community (Blac), who assisted to make this family fun day possible,” she said.
Car hooters blared outside the sportsground as residents and supporters celebrated her win just opposite her high school, Bishop Lavis High School for the Arts.
Supporters could be heard shouting: “We’re so happy for our girl! This is something positive for our community! Paxton brought all of us together over the past few weeks!”
Celebrations ran well into the night when supporters headed to Paxton's family home to congratulate them.
Earlier, excitement along with optimism that she would win was palpable, as the community waited for the final outcome of the finale.
People from across Cape Town rallied behind Paxton.
At 16, she was the youngest contestant this year, going through to the finals and was pitted against 25-year-old Mthokozisi Ndaba.
Paxton soared through the nailbiting competition week after week, after securing her golden ticket at the Cape Town auditions - the first golden ticket for Cape Town hopefuls - earlier this year.
This season’s Top 10 opened the two-hour finale with high-octane performances.